A Ray of Sunshine

"He is like a well-watered plant in the sunshine, spreading it's shoots over the garden." Job 8:16

Saturday was the first day I'd crawled out of bed in three days! I'd felt almost human again after hacking my way through a box and a half of Kleenix tissues and downing a third of a bottle of cough syrup with codeine! Yea winter! Anyone got a one way ticket to Florida?

My ray of sunshine arrived at last just before dinner that evening. My good friend and extroverted creative learning advocate called and asked to come over. She said she had a question to ask me in person so that she could see my face when she asked it. With my peaked curiosity I of course obliged her request even though I was still dressed in my night gown and slippers. So, in the back door she bounded, all smiles and face beaming with excitement. "She must have found Mr. Right," I thought. "Now how should I react?!" But, to my surprise, instead of announcing her engagement she asked if I would accompany her to a book launching party in Boston for her good friend and award winning children's author/illustrator the next night!

"What an engagement indeed!" I thought. Picking my chin up off the floor all I could say was "I've been so sick..." but my encourage-able husband interrupted, "but she's feeling better and would love to go with you tomorrow night!"

So, last night I stood shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the most creative, most talented, most influential people in the children's literary world! Weaving amidst the gourmet desserts, the glasses of wine and hearty congratulations there was an electricity (more than the buzz of the live band's amps or lights). It was the energy that's only found amongst those who bring out the best in each other; when the atmosphere is genuine and people are encouraged to live up to their creative potential.

I left there feeling warm, encouraged and hungry. I felt genuinely and warmly welcomed into the family of creative writers. I felt encouraged to live up to my potential as a writer. I was left hungry for more...to be surrounded by more creative people...to write more...to accomplish more.

Stepping into 2010 the word hope filled my thoughts. Last night, I was given hope to continue in my writing and hope for a future surrounded by creative, like-minded people.

Thank you to my dear friend for wrapping me in sunshine and infusing hope into my heart through these remarkable people!

Here's to the future!